By
Telecom Lead Team: Technology giant IBM has launched its new software to help
organizations manage and secure the explosion of smartphones and tablets in the
workplace, while also managing laptops, desktops and servers.
IBM
Endpoint Manager for Mobile Devices helps organizations protect the mobile
workforce. Firms can use a single solution to secure smartphones and
tablets, as well as laptops, desktop PCs, and servers. It manages Apple
iOS, Google Android, Nokia Symbian, and Microsoft Windows Mobile and Windows
Phone devices.
Mobile
workforce will reach more than 1.19 billion by next year. There are new
challenges to connect personal smartphones and tablets to corporate networks
and provide employee access to business data on them.
At
the end of 2011, almost half of mobile devices used in the
workplace were employee owned according to IDC. This
“Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) trend raises additional concerns about
managing security risks. Mobile exploits doubled in 2011 from 2010, according
to the IBM X-Force Mid-Year Trend and Risk Report.
The
software extends security intelligence to deal with the threats from mainstream
adoption of the BYOD trend. Organizations can install the IBM software in
hours, remotely set policies, identify potential data compromises and wipe data
off the devices if they are lost or stolen. The software helps configure
and enforce passcode policies, encryption and virtual private network settings.
“As
the BYOD movement accelerates, it presents new opportunities and challenges for
organizations. In order for them to take advantage of this trend, it is important
that organizations have mobile security and management policies in place,”
said Bob Sutor, vice president, IBM Mobile Platform.
